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10 things to do at Portico!

What is there to do at Portico? Lots!

Explore our exhibitions

How was Strangford Lough formed? When did Portaferry build bigger ships than Belfast? Where did our 5000 years old artefacts come from? Find out about our local history and the people who made it. Keep the kids amused with cartoons and quizzes.

Come to a concert!

From classical to country we've got it covered. Check out the What's On section to see what shows are coming up.

Admire the architecture

An award-winning restoration (as featured on Channel 4's Great British Restorations) of this Greek-inspired grade A listed architectural masterpiece.

Hear our Christian music timeline

Borrow one of our interactive tablets to explore the development of Christian music through the ages and listen to our choir sing examples from plainsong to the 21st century.

Browse local arts and crafts

Ceramics, art and jewellery all made by local artists and crafts people on display and available to purchase.

Visit the organ loft

Climb to the organ loft to view our displays and discover how all those pipes and electronics work to make that huge sound.

Take time to see the inner workings of our magnificent pipe organ, rebuilt by Wells Kennedy in 2015. Displays show you the development of the organ as an instrument over the last 2 millennia. Then spend some time at our organ console designed specifically for members of the public to have a go… Use our digital guide to help you explore this example of the ‘King of Instruments’.

Have a go on the organ!

Our new organ console is especially designed for everyone to have a go. Try it out for yourself (instructions included!) or get it to give you a personal recital by selecting one of our pre-recorded pieces.

Play on the tablets

Let the kids watch videos on the tablets while you get some peace to explore Portico!

Watch archive films

From Lumiere’s 1897 moving images of Belfast to the amphicar that could ‘drive’ across Strangford Lough in the 1960s… relive the past using our Digital Film Archive.

See Art Deco stained glass windows

Visit the period-panelled Orr Room in the new extension built as part of the restoration and see the beautiful art deco stained glass.